Solar Systems Engineer Course

Lesson 1 • Photovoltaic Cell Physics

Explains semiconductor physics, the p-n junction, and the photovoltaic effect. Connects cell-level behaviour to module and array performance.

Lesson 2 • PV Module and Array Architecture

Describes how cells are assembled into modules and modules into arrays. Introduces series and parallel configurations and their electrical implications.

Lesson 3 • Solar Radiation and Energy Fundamentals

Covers solar irradiance, spectral distribution, and atmospheric effects on energy delivery. Establishes the physical basis for all subsequent system design decisions.

Lesson 4 • Solar Thermal Energy Basics

Introduces flat-plate and concentrating solar thermal collectors and their applications. Differentiates thermal from photovoltaic energy conversion pathways.

Lesson 1 • Energy Yield Modelling and Simulation

Introduces simulation workflows to estimate annual energy production using site and system inputs. Produces bankable yield reports used in project financing.

Lesson 2 • Shading and Obstruction Analysis

Teaches methods to identify, quantify, and mitigate shading losses from near and far obstructions. Directly impacts energy yield and system layout decisions.

Lesson 3 • Solar Irradiance Data Sources

Reviews satellite-derived and ground-measured irradiance databases and their accuracy. Enables engineers to select appropriate data sources for project locations.

Lesson 4 • Tilt, Orientation, and Tracking Optimisation

Analyses how array tilt and azimuth affect annual energy capture. Compares fixed-tilt and single- and dual-axis tracking systems.

Lesson 1 • Single-Line Diagram Development

Synthesises electrical design elements into a complete single-line diagram for permit submission. Reinforces all prior electrical design decisions in a professional deliverable.

Lesson 2 • Overcurrent and Overvoltage Protection

Designs fuse, breaker, and surge protection schemes for PV arrays and inverters. Ensures equipment and personnel protection under fault conditions.

Lesson 3 • Grounding and Bonding Systems

Explains equipment grounding, system grounding, and bonding requirements for PV installations. Prevents shock hazards and ensures fault current paths are reliable.

Lesson 4 • Inverter Technologies and Selection

Compares string, central, microinverter, and power optimiser topologies for different applications. Guides technology selection based on shading, scale, and cost.

Lesson 5 • DC and AC Wiring Design

Covers conductor sizing, voltage drop calculations, and conduit fill for DC and AC circuits. Produces wiring specifications that meet safety and performance standards.

Lesson 1 • Structural Load Fundamentals

Introduces dead, live, wind, and snow loads relevant to PV mounting structures. Provides the load basis for all subsequent structural calculations.

Lesson 2 • Structural Analysis and Documentation

Applies hand calculations and software tools to verify structural adequacy and produce stamped drawings. Prepares engineers to interface with licensed structural engineers.

Lesson 3 • Ground-Mount Racking Systems

Designs fixed-tilt and tracker foundation systems including driven piles and concrete ballasts. Connects geotechnical data to foundation type selection.

Lesson 4 • Roof-Mounted System Design

Covers attachment methods, flashing details, and load transfer for pitched and flat roof installations. Addresses waterproofing integrity and roof structural capacity.

Lesson 1 • Microgrid and Resilience Design

Designs islanded and grid-interactive microgrids for critical facilities and community resilience. Integrates PV, storage, and backup generation into a coordinated system.

Lesson 2 • Battery Management and Protection Systems

Explains BMS functions including cell balancing, state-of-charge estimation, and fault protection. Ensures safe and reliable battery operation over the system lifetime.

Lesson 3 • Battery System Sizing

Applies load analysis and autonomy requirements to size battery capacity and power ratings. Produces sizing calculations for backup, self-consumption, and peak shaving use cases.

Lesson 4 • Battery Technology Overview

Compares lithium-ion, lead-acid, and flow battery chemistries on energy density, cycle life, and cost. Guides technology selection for residential through utility-scale applications.

Lesson 1 • Distribution System Impact Studies

Introduces load flow, short-circuit, and protection coordination studies for distribution-level interconnection. Enables engineers to interpret study results and respond to utility findings.

Lesson 2 • Grid Standards and Inverter Requirements

Covers voltage, frequency, and power factor ride-through requirements imposed by grid interconnection standards. Ensures inverter settings comply with utility technical specifications.

Lesson 3 • Metering and Revenue Measurement

Covers revenue-grade metering configurations for net metering, feed-in, and virtual net metering arrangements. Links metering design to billing and performance monitoring.

Lesson 4 • Utility Interconnection Process

Maps the steps from pre-application through final interconnection agreement for distribution-connected systems. Prepares engineers to manage timelines and utility requirements.

Lesson 1 • Thermal and Infrared Inspection

Uses infrared thermography to detect hot spots, bypass diode failures, and connection defects. Establishes a thermal baseline for ongoing condition monitoring.

Lesson 2 • Performance Ratio and Yield Verification

Calculates performance ratio and compares measured yield to modelled predictions. Identifies underperformance root causes and documents acceptance criteria.

Lesson 3 • Electrical Commissioning Tests

Covers string open-circuit voltage, short-circuit current, and I-V curve tracing measurements. Validates electrical performance against design specifications.

Lesson 4 • Commissioning Documentation and Handover

Assembles as-built drawings, test records, and O&M manuals into a complete handover package. Ensures the owner and O&M team have all information needed for ongoing operations.

Lesson 1 • Monitoring Systems and Data Analytics

Configures SCADA and monitoring platforms to track production, alarms, and equipment health. Enables data-driven fault detection and performance optimisation.

Lesson 2 • Degradation Analysis and Long-Term Performance

Quantifies module and system degradation rates using long-term production data. Supports accurate energy forecasting and repowering decision-making.

Lesson 3 • Asset Management and Financial Reporting

Integrates technical performance data with financial metrics to manage solar assets as investments. Produces reports that satisfy lender, investor, and owner requirements.

Lesson 4 • Preventive Maintenance Programmes

Designs scheduled maintenance tasks for modules, inverters, racking, and electrical components. Reduces unplanned downtime and extends equipment service life.